Being in the Governor’s Sale of Champions is something all livestock exhibitors dream about. Each year, this marquee event showcases the hard work and dedication of the youth in the agriculture industry.
The Grand Champion Steer was shown by Kashen Ellerbrock of Henry County. Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker took home the Grand Champion Steer for the fourth year in row, donating $105,000 towards the purchase of the animal. The Governor says he’s always impressed with the young people he meets at fair, including the young man who showed Bill, this year’s champion steer. It should be noted that the Grand Champion Steer will be donated to Feeding Illinois and dispersed to food banks across the state.
The Grand Champion Meat Goat was shown by Nolan Hoge of McDonough County and was sold for $6,000 to Obernagel Family Farms in Waterloo.
In addition to being spotlighted before the crowd on Wednesday night, these Grand Champion exhibitors, along with the Reserve Grand Champion exhibitors, will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their animal. The exhibitors use the funds towards their college education or invest it back into projects for next year.
